“Go West” may be a Village People song about going out to San Francisco, but handbag trends this year are also going west, too – western, that is. Think about conchos, fringe, and turquoise or coral colors – all of which should be subtle. However, instead of going out and buying cowboy gear, how should you be wearing these new pieces of western fashion?

When it comes to clothes, less is always more. Consider a turquoise belt and pair it with something neutral. Go for onyx and crystal jewelry with an outfit but, similarly, don’t overdo it. With handbags, however, this is somewhat more difficult, as the handbag is often the center of an outfit and shouldn’t be too overpowering. Is it possible to have a neutral western style that won’t overshadow everything?

Long seen as only western gear, fringe is making its way onto many high-end handbags, such as these by Miu Miu. As you can see, these are all beige leather, with the ends lined with medium-length fringe on both sides. The fringe itself adds a unique and less formal touch to the bag and, without it, the Miu Miu handbag would simply be an ordinary beige hobo purse.

Fringed handbags, of course, are perfect for casual wear, as is the entire western trend of the moment. It’s about having fun and adding character to your clothing and bag. However, if you can’t afford the large price tag attached to the Miu Miu hobo above, don’t worry – many designer-inspired and western handbags are already capitalizing on this trend. Wholesale western wear dealer Western Express, for example, has their own fringed handbags. Designed much like the Miu Miu bags above, these are made with darker leather and have medium-length fringe in front. A silver concho, additionally, adds some slight but noticeable bling to the purse.

Consider it irony: Camouflage, once considered a print exclusive to the military, has crept into the ranks of high-end handbags. The pattern is popular through all ranks of fashion and all types. From clothing to handbags to jewelry, the pattern in its original green form and many other variations can be found. Nevertheless, although considered somewhat of a lowly and alternative pattern, camouflage will now be part of Gucci’s fall handbag collection, which has been making its way onto the internet gradually.

As you can see by the Gucci handbag above, the style takes the basic camouflage pattern and places it on a dark brown handbag. However, aside from this aspect, nothing’s entirely unique or interesting about the handbag itself. More importantly, where would you wear it? The handbag appears to be too casual for formal or even everyday use (could you take it along to your business-attire-only office job? Didn’t think so). But, being Gucci, it seems too formal to take someplace casual. So, essentially, this handbag is pretty much useless.

If you really want to go for the camouflage/military look that hasn’t really died off, consider a less expensive product, such as a design-inspired camouflage bag or clutch. This camouflage wallet with a cell phone holder by Best Handbag Wholesale captures the look of camouflage without the high price tag.

At the moment, military styles and garb are coming out as a trend, so watch which direction it takes. Although camouflage has been in fashion rotation as a popular pattern since the late-1990s, other pieces of military-inspired garb are making their way onto the racks. For example, old-fashion military jackets with slight shoulder pads and front buttons are all the rage now for adults and teens. Do you think this trend will last? Will it translate to a similar style for handbags?

Python has been around on handbags for the past two years. First, the pattern started out bright: python skin was used for the body of a bag, which was then dyed a color like purple or hot pink. But, then the boldness wore off, and stars, instead, went for natural hues or a less ostentatious presentation, which might have been python skin dyed white or black. What form has the trend taken on now?

Python skin will be one of those trends that takes a while to be fully gone. Recent findings of this trend have included Megan Fox at the Jonah Hex premier. However, Jonah Hex was a movie no one really cared about or even saw, and the same can be said of Fox’s handbag and her quickly dying film career. You can only last so long being a talentless hottie, and the same can be said for a handbag trend that has minimal novelty value. Her black python clutch contrasts with her dress, but, as far as uniqueness is concerned, the Salvatore Ferragamo clutch is simply, “Been there, done that.” It aptly captures Fox’s career: just a flash in the pan.

On the other hand, the recent Sex and the City movie still brings up this style through an Adriana Castro bag worn by Carrie Bradshaw during the film. As seen in the information about the competition to win said bag, this python clutch is bright, with a two-tone color scheme. Considering Carrie’s fashion choices, the bag makes sense and, if worn correctly, might even be a unique centerpiece to an outfit. Although SATC2 was panned as much as Jonah Hex was, at least the fashion choices made by the stars offer more in the way of interest.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to capture this trend, consider some of the designer inspired options by Wholesale Handbags USA, such as this purple python handbag that captures the natural pattern of the snake’s skin but adds some addition color.

How many of you want to get a piece of J-Woww or Snooki’s style? If you’re someone who still wears Ed Hardy – and not for the sake of parody – then you’ll probably love their line. According to a recent news story, the two Jersey girls (not originally from the Garden State, though) will be designing their own sunglasses line. So far, no designs are on the table yet, but one can only imagine what these two tanned-and-tawdry girls will come up with. Rhinestones, anyone?

J-Woww is already trying to capture part of the fashion market with her “unique” Jersey vacation style. Her own line, called Filthy Couture, will be debuting sometime later this year. Apparently, her tube tops and lounge pants style already has a small celebrity following, but do you think that this Guidette’s line might give Ed Hardy a run for its money? Although she claims the look of her clothing and sunglasses will be “glam classic,” do you really think this will be the case?

With so many celebrity lines coming out (Britney and Madonna had their respective lines come out about a month ago), do you think that clothing by reality TV stars actually has a chance? And, considering that each celebrity claims to have a unique style, will theirs stand out and not be vilified in the same fashion as Lindsay Lohan’s Ungaro collaboration?

But, perhaps it’s time for a bit of tackiness. Several lines of designer sunglasses already include rhinestones. The capacity of them varies, however. Some lines, such as Juicy Couture or Valentino, place the rhinestones on the sides. This pair of Valentino sunglasses even places them in a rose formation on the end of the frame. Subtle is always best in fashion. A few rhinestones always work well as a highlight and to capture someone’s attention to an ordinary pair of shades. The Valentino sunglasses above, for example, are just simply shield lenses until the rhinestone rose is added. Too much, however, and the sunglasses no longer have a classy style.